Presently a unit of Textron Corp. and completely devoted to turf products, the newest generation of snow movers likely only know of Jacobsen snow blowers if one was handed down to them. However, the company’s Imperial snow blower was considered an early innovator in the industry. Jacobsen snow blowers date back to at least the early 1960s, where models such as a 1962 Sno-Jet (a lesser line from the company’s primary Imperial series) can be found online through antique sellers. A salient point about old models, though, is the number of people who still observe the durability and power of the Jacobsen line. Some comments from owners about their Jacobsens:
- “It starts every time and goes through the thick stuff.”
- Mine still runs and performs well.”
- “I have a Jacobsen Imperial 626 snow blower that I purchased after the Massachusetts Blizzard of ’78. It still runs fine.”
- “Jacobson Imperial 26. 25+ yrs. old and still going!!!!!”
- “It runs beautiful though and will throw snow all day as long as I can push it.”
Jacobsen Replacement Parts
Jack’s Small Engines is arguably the best source for replacement parts for your old Jacobsen blower. If you know the specific part number you’re looking for, Amazon has a selection too. These include scraper bars, shear pins, belts, friction drive discs and more. Note that many of the replacement parts are labeled for other brands like Ariens and Snapper. Check in their descriptions to make sure they will work with your model.
Common Issues/Parts
Online comments run the gamut as far as issues with Jacobsen snow blowers–remember, these are likely at least 30 years old now. Below is a breakdown of different Jacobsen models and common parts requests or issues. Parts numbers are included where known:
Imperial (Model #s 52610 (5hp), 52620 (7hp), and 52630 (9hp)
Jacobsen’s Imperial line offered models in 5, 7 and 9 horsepower, featuring two stages and both forward- and reverse-gear mechanisms well before others on the market offered the feature. The Imperial line also boasted a clearing path as broad as 30 inches.
- Gears for the drive assembly are a very common request. After this much time, the gears can be loose on the shaft that drives the wheels, potentially losing either forward or reverse motion. Loss of the reverse gear seems particularly common.
- Retainers needed for the chute discharge (part #50555) and chute retainer spring (part #346366)
- A new belt (part #331325) needed for a 1975 Jacobsen Imperial, a fix ultimately achieved through loosening bolts holding the blower section to the drive section, enabling those pieces to be separated enough to get the belts past the clutch and drive gear. After that, the belts simply need to be routed on the necessary pulleys. Online users note the length of the replacement belt is most important if you’re subbing a nonspecific Jacobsen part. The tensioned idler takes care of the rest.
- A rubber gasket that holds the snow chute
- Bearings needed for the wheel axle and hex drive shaft (parts 343415 and 343475, respectively)
- Drive disc, which when faulty may cause slipping
- Bushing/bearing (part #352041) and the flange that holds the bushing in place (part #352042) for the main axle that turns the snow blades
- Needle bearings (part #343470)
- Drive gear and drive axle
- Worm Gear (part # 341606) and Worm Wheel (part # 341608)
- Belt tightener assembly
- Collector shaft (part # 335409)
Sno-Burst
The Jacobsen Sno-Burst is a two-stage, gas-driven walk behind that made an 18- or 20-inch clearing using, at least in the models we uncovered, 3hp.
- Paddles and scraper (Parts JA51888-4, JA99104-5, 991296 & 990385)
- Carburetor
- Diaphragm kit for carburetor
- Bearing Retainer Set (Part # JA375493)
Sno-Jet
Using about 2.25hp, consumers have observed the Sno-Jet still threw quite a lot of snow, outperforming most heavier 4-stroke machines. Older models cut a 20-inch path, while later models cut a 24-inch swath.
- Carburetor for a 1962 Sno-Jet snow blower
- Ignition switch
